As the last survey season for the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Project comes to an end, Ecologist Emma Scotney has lots of amazing findings from Devon and Cornwall to share over the next few months. Read more

The arrival of spring at Wimbleball Lake brings a whole host of changes to the site’s habitats and the wildlife that reside within them. The wildflower meadows are abloom with a variety of colours and smells, the woodlands are thick with leafy green trees and vegetation, whilst ducklings paddle in the shallows of the reservoir and our diverse grasses come alive with the clicks, chirps and buzzing of insects. Read more

Over the last eight weeks we have been joined by an MSc student, Kate Shears, from the University of Plymouth. Kate has completed her placement which focused on ecology, conservation and updating our integrated management plan for Roadford Lake. Read more

Countryside Team

Annabel Underwood

As the last survey season for the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Project comes to an end, Ecologist Emma Scotney has lots of amazing findings from Devon and Cornwall to share over the next few months.
Read more

The arrival of spring at Wimbleball Lake brings a whole host of changes to the site’s habitats and the wildlife that reside within them. The wildflower meadows are abloom with a variety of colours and smells, the woodlands are thick with leafy green trees and vegetation, whilst ducklings paddle in the shallows of the reservoir and our diverse grasses come alive with the clicks, chirps and buzzing of insects.
Read more

Over the last eight weeks we have been joined by an MSc student, Kate Shears, from the University of Plymouth. Kate has completed her placement which focused on ecology, conservation and updating our integrated management plan for Roadford Lake.
Read more

It is something many of us take for granted, that on these lovely spring days we have been having over Easter, we can head out into the countryside to enjoy the sunny weather, spectacular scenery and wonderful wildlife that the south west has to offer.
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There are very few people who have heard of Nantree and even fewer who know where it is…
It was my Gran, who, according to my dad, was always full of stuff and nonsense, who used to take me and my sister there. It was her favourite spot, an ancient pedunculate oak deep in the forest - its buttresses and trunk made an ideal place for her to rest her weary feet and for us to devour her hastily made egg sandwiches.
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Name one sport that isn’t age restricted and angling will be at the top of the list. Angling can be enjoyed by all ages and all abilities. For some, the sport is about catching the biggest fish they can! However, for others it is a way of escaping the rat race of life and it can even be an adventure! It brings you so close to nature that if you are lucky enough, you just might be able to touch it.
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During late summer and officially in September 2018, I started at South West Lakes Trust (SWLT) as the new ecologist. I started volunteering for the Trust in 2016 when I did my university placement at Burrator. In my new role, I will be involved with the ongoing Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) project and the overall conservation of our sites.
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The hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is a rare and protected mammal native to the UK. This adorable animal has become locally extinct in some places throughout the UK as populations have plummeted.
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Roadford Lake sits within the stunning surroundings of the Wolf Valley, close to Launceston on the Cornwall border. One of the biggest and busiest inland waters in the South West, the lake is surrounded by a variety of natural habitats, including Culm Grasslands, woodlands, old pastures and orchards.

Lopwell Dam is a beautiful spot at any time of the year; the colours and views on display are simply breathtaking.
Near Plymouth, the Local Nature Reserve is home to a varied range of wildlife, both in and out of the water. Delve into Lopwell’s long history (all the way back to the 13th century!), and learn about how this peaceful haven was once a busy river quay that served Plymouth and London, with a mineshaft used for mining lead and silver.

We are dedicated to the protection of the natural environment found at our lakes and are passionate about people from all walks of life being able to benefit from the wonderful countryside around our lakes. From walking and cycling to angling and watersports, we offer fantastic opportunities for great days out and regular visits for health and well-being, discovering and exploring at lakes across the south west of England.

Near the idyllic village of Chagford, Fernworthy Reservoir is an archaeological jewel in the heart of Dartmoor National Park.
Walk through meadows, woodland and moorland, and take in the fascinating cultural heritage of ancient stone cairns, Bronze Age hut circles and submerged clapper bridges, while enjoying beautiful lakeside views.

As a charity always aiming to improve the environment and provide great facilities for informal and organised activities, we appreciate donations for where our need is greatest at the time. If you would like to support our work with a one-off or regular donation and are happy for us to decide where the need is greatest, please use the donation buttons below.

We have officially launched our new Friends of South West Lakes scheme, offering a new way for supporters to get involved with our charitable work.
This new approach offers a fresh perspective on being a ‘Friend’; crucially, it is more than ‘just a car parking pass’.